Arthur Stewart King Scarf

Who was Arthur Stewart King Scarf?

Squadron Leader Arthur Stewart King Scarf VC was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He attended King's College School in Wimbledon, and was a RAF Cranwell trained regular.

Scarf was 28 years old, and a squadron leader in 62 Squadron, Royal Air Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

Scarf joined the RAF in 1936, and accepted for pilot training. On gaining his wings he was posted to No.9 Squadron, operating the Handley Page Heyford. In 1937 he transferred to No.62 Squadron, a light bomber unit which received the Bristol Blenheim in February 1938. Just prior to the outbreak of war in September 1939, the Squadron was detached to bases in northern Malaya. From July 1941 No.62 was based at Alor Star near the Thailand border and at the outbreak of hostilities in December 1941 the squadron came under heavy air attack. On 9 December it was withdrawn to RAF Butterworth in order to regroup.